Former Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Set to Leave North America For First Time in His Career
Photo credit: Sportsnet
A former Vancouver Canuck is reportedly set to leave North America for the first time in his career after going unsigned this summer by teams in the NHL and AHL.
The 2025-26 season is officially underway overseas in the KHL, with a number of former Vancouver Canucks already playing their first couple of games of the new campaign including Josh Leivo, who signed with Traktor Chelyabinsk after having his contract terminated by Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
Elsewhere in Europe, the top divisions of Czechia, Finland, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland will be dropping the puck on their respective seasons within the next couple of weeks and it appears that a former Vancouver Canucks defenseman will be heading over there for the first time in his career.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman set to leave North America for first time in his career
In mid-August, a report came out from Swedish media outlet HockeyNews.se that stated some SHL clubs were keeping an eye on former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Brad Hunt.
"Most SHL clubs have filled their squads - but there are still some gaps to fill.
Now HockeyNews can reveal a very interesting name that has appeared on the SHL market - Brad Hunt." Mattias Persson said.
Now HockeyNews can reveal a very interesting name that has appeared on the SHL market - Brad Hunt." Mattias Persson said.
Since that report came out, nothing has materialized between Brad Hunt and any clubs in the Swedish Hockey League, but it looks like the Maple Ridge, British Columbia native will be taking his talents to Sweden's northeast neighbour, Finland.
According to Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey, sources have informed him that Brad Hunt will be signing a contract with Vaasan Sport in Finland's top division, Liiga, for the 2025-26 season.
"One more signing scoop during #AHLFreeAgency25:
I'm told via multiple sources former Hershey UFA D Brad Hunt is signing overseas with Vaasan Sport (Liiga) for 2025-26.
Hunt, 37, had 4G-15A in 41GP with AHL-Hershey in 2024-25.
That makes 133 guys = AHL ➡️ 🌎 " Androckitis said on X.
I'm told via multiple sources former Hershey UFA D Brad Hunt is signing overseas with Vaasan Sport (Liiga) for 2025-26.
Hunt, 37, had 4G-15A in 41GP with AHL-Hershey in 2024-25.
That makes 133 guys = AHL ➡️ 🌎 " Androckitis said on X.
Vaasan Sport have even teased the signing of Brad Hunt in a post on their website on Monday, calling it one of the biggest acquisitions in the club's history, but only if their supporters player campaign are able to help raise 75,000 Euros ($121,755 CAD) by Friday at 3 pm EEST (5 am PST).
Note: the following is translated from Finnish
"One of the most significant acquisitions in the club's history is close - take part in the Red Army Supporters' Player campaign!
The Supporters' Player campaign organized by the Red Army Supporters' Association to acquire a player who has played nearly 300 NHL games in his career has been launched. In order to acquire a player who has also won the World Championship, a total of 75,000 euros must be raised by Friday, September 12th at 3:00 PM." Vaasan Sport said.
The Supporters' Player campaign organized by the Red Army Supporters' Association to acquire a player who has played nearly 300 NHL games in his career has been launched. In order to acquire a player who has also won the World Championship, a total of 75,000 euros must be raised by Friday, September 12th at 3:00 PM." Vaasan Sport said.
Hunt, 37, has 288 games of NHL experience under his belt, including 50 during his time as a Vancouver Canuck during the 2021-22 season where he registered 17 points (three goals, 14 assists), 12 penalty minutes and was a minus-three.
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 703 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Set to Leave North America For First Time in His Career Do you think Brad Hunt will return to North America after this season? | ||
| Yes | 109 | 15.5 % |
| No | 594 | 84.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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